Postdoctoral Researcher in Nitrogen Fixation using Plasma Dublin City University, National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology

Research: Centre National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology

Post title: Postdoctoral Researcher: Nitrogen Fixation using Plasma

Level: Level 1

Post duration: Fixed Term Contract up to Three years

Research Career Framework

As part of this role the researcher will be required to participate in the DCU ResearchCareer Framework http://dcu.ie/hr/ResearchersFramework/index.shtml. Thisframework is designed to provide significant professional development opportunities toresearchers and offer the best opportunities in terms of a wider career path.DCU has a strong record in attracting both Irish and European Union research fundingunder Horizon 2020 (and previous Framework Programmes), Marie Curie Actionsand Erasmus. We offer a dynamic and internationally-focused environment in which toadvance your career.

Background & Role

Nitrogen Fixation using Plasmas

Agricultural productivity has increased by around fifty percent in the last century, largelyby the use of nitrate fertilisers. The loss of this food supply would have disastrouseffects in many parts of the world. However, nitrate fertilisers are presently produced byconsuming fossil fuels and emitting greenhouse gases, which practice is also likely tohave unfortunate consequences during the present century. There is therefore adilemma, to which the only clear solution is to produce nitrate fertiliser withoutgreenhouse gas emissions. The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen to nitrate isknown as nitrogen fixation. This project aims to show that nitrogen fixation can beaccomplished using a plasma process on a scale and with an efficiency likely to lead to a competitive industrial process, however powered by renewable electricity and not fossilfuels.

The Project

This basic science project is supported by Science Foundation Ireland and Teagasc (anagricultural research agency) through the Investigators Programme(http://www.sfi.ie/funding/funding-calls/sfi-investigators-programme/). The objective is toshow that an electron beam sustained discharge, with variable electron temperature andthe potential to scale to large volume at atmospheric pressure, can support an efficientconversion starting from atmospheric gases to produce in the first case nitric oxide, fromwhich further processing can form a nitrate fertiliser. This will involve fundamentalstudies of the chemical behaviour of the plasma, which will be linked to a programme ofmodelling. The designed endpoint is to sufficiently understand the basic properties ofthe plasma and its chemistry that the potential of this approach to address the dilemmamentioned above can be clearly seen. A parallel project in Teagasc will explore theagronomic aspects of this approach.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to his/her PI, this researcher will:

 Taking a leading role in the design, construction and operation of an electron beamsustained plasma experiment. (Since the electron beam system will be acommercial device, no special expertise in electron beam technology is needed.) Have a strong background in low-temperature plasma physics, with a particularemphasis on plasma chemistry and electron kinetics Be familiar with a wide range of plasma diagnostic techniques, such as optical andmass spectroscopy Be aware of (but not necessarily highly expert in) the techniques involved inmodelling low-temperature plasma Participate in the supervision of research students Work with researchers in Teagasc in exploring the agricultural aspects of the project Contribute to the teaching activities of the School of Physical Sciences, in ways to beagreed with the Head of the School. Engage with appropriate training and development opportunities

Minimum Criteria

Applicants should have a PhD in low-temperature plasma science, with a particularemphasis on diagnostics and modelling.

Discipline Knowledge & Research skills –Demonstrates the ability to design and/orimplement a substantial programme of research including initiating and leading newresearch ideas (for example by using critical judgement and an understanding ofnew research methodologies)

Understanding the Research Environment – Demonstrates a thoroughunderstanding of the research environment both nationally and internationally, theability to secure

significant research funding and where relevant the ability to apply for intellectualproperty rights and/or patents for their research

Communicating Research – Demonstrates excellence in communicating theirresearch nationally and internationally (for example by publishing in high quality peerreviewed journals of international standing and through invitation to participate incommercial research) and the ability to deliver teaching based on their own researchManaging & Leadership skills – Successfully leads and manages researchprogrammes including the management and supervision of a small research team andthe financial management of research programmes.

Salary: *€36,854 - €47,728

*Appointments will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be made onthe appropriate point of the salary scales, in line with current Government pay policy.

Closing date: 22 March 2018

Informal enquiries to:

Professor Miles Turner, School of Physical Sciences and National Centre for PlasmaScience & Technology, DCU, Dublin 9, Ireland.

E-mail: miles.turner@dcu.ie Phone: +353 (0)1 700 5298

Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.